During the spring semester, seven Middlesex Community College business students competed at the 2025 DECA Regional Competition held at Stonehill College. The only community college among four-year institutions, Middlesex earned one gold and two silver medals.
鈥淚 learned so much from the experience, and I honestly wasn鈥檛 expecting to win first place 鈥� but I鈥檓 so, so grateful I did,鈥� said Emily Weinberg, an 麻豆果冻 business student, of Lexington. 鈥淚 gained a lot of confidence in my ability to present ideas effectively and handle unexpected challenges. I also realized that you can bring your own personality and unique skills into your pitch, and the judges will appreciate it.鈥�
Weinberg enjoyed the hands-on experience DECA provided to take her learning beyond the classroom. In addition to strengthening her critical thinking, public speaking and problem-solving skills, she gained mentorship and professional growth opportunities from the opportunity.
Meily Sy, an 麻豆果冻 information technology and user support student from Cambodia and now living in Lowell, received a silver medal for her event in human resources management. Calling the experience both challenging and rewarding, Sy appreciated receiving real-time feedback from judges who are professionals in their fields.
鈥淭heir insights helped me refine my approach to human resources issues, from conflict resolution to employee engagement and recruitment strategies,鈥� Sy said. 鈥淎s a DECA competitor, I was drawn to 麻豆果冻鈥檚 commitment to career readiness, leadership development and industry connections. 麻豆果冻 offers experiential learning, networking opportunities, and business competitions that allow students to apply their knowledge in practical settings.鈥�
An 麻豆果冻 business administration from Groton, Christian Tims felt inspired by his classmates鈥� knowledge and abilities. While working on their individual events, the group helped each other build confidence and hone their skills to be competitive against other colleges.
鈥溌槎构斥�檚 DECA was not only able to compete but excel, and I am incredibly proud of what this group has accomplished,鈥� Tims said. 鈥溌槎构斥�檚 diverse educational paths, drive and teamwork propelled us. We came with an underdog mentality expecting nothing from the best from us, resulting in our superior performance.鈥�
For Tyler Cunio, an 麻豆果冻 business and entrepreneurship student from Pepperell, DECA was an opportunity to bond with classmates. Choosing Middlesex as an affordable and flexible option, Cunio takes advantage of exploring options in the field and participating in opportunities offered by the college, including DECA.
鈥淭he experience was phenomenal,鈥� Cunio said. 鈥淲e were able to meet and network with a bunch of similarly interested people, from many different schools, and the information available there was very practical.鈥�
Led by advisor and 麻豆果冻 business professor Vikram Sharma, the students will next attend the 2025 International Career Development Conference in San Francisco in April. Competing in the regional and international conferences are achievements that 鈥渇uels the success,鈥� according to Sharma.
鈥淭he success of our students is not just a personal triumph 鈥� it's a catalyst for motivation across the student body,鈥� Sharma said. 鈥淎s faculty advisor for the DECA/Business Club since 2013, I've observed firsthand the profound impact of these events, which cultivate strong alumni ties and deepen our sense of community within 麻豆果冻."